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By: Donnamy Steele

Portrait artist Arthur Smith is back in Andalusia for a limited time. Smith has 45 years of professional portrait painting experience, beginning in 1975.

“I started professionally in 1975 and I am the portrait artist at the Old Grand Hotel at Point Clear, Alabama, adjacent to Fairhope,” Smith said.

Although Smith has clients of all ages, he specializes in children’s portraits. “I do anybody in age, but I do a lot of children’s portraits,” Smith said. “I always photograph them first at no extra charge. So I do the initial sketch the night before, and then I like them to come to me for a short sitting and then I finish it up from the detail and the photograph.”

The portraits are done in pastel at 16×20 in size and are temporarily available at a discounted price, Smith said.

“At the time being, I’m offering a substantial discount of what I usually charge,” Smith said. “Instead of $100 for individuals I charge $75. For groups, instead of $100 for the first person and $50 for each additional person it is $75 and $40 for each added.”

Smith has worked with Andalusia locals and businesses before, Smith said. “I’ve worked here a lot with the 3 Notch Market that they have and I’ve done a lot of portraits here,” Smith said. “I love Andalusia and you people have been great here to me. Everyone treats me great. It’s a nice town.”

Smith is vocal about his appreciation for the people who helped him gain business in the Andalusia area.

“Heather Owen, Lindsey Williams, and Robin Mitchell are the people that have helped me get started here and I want to give thanks to them,” Smith said. “I’ll stay here as long as I have business to do. I’m here for a while, I hope.”

To make an appointment with Arthur Smith, call 251-232-1667.